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How Much Do Replacement Car Keys Cost? Losing keys to your car is not an enjoyable experience. GEICO can help you get back on the road in a hurry by providing Emergency Roadside Service. When you lose your key It is a good idea to have a spare made. We have compiled a guide on the cost to replace the car key. Mechanical Keys Not too long ago, losing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could simply buy a spare key, and use it to turn the ignition. However, modern automobiles are much more technologically advanced and it's more expensive to replace keys that have been lost. The most affordable method to accomplish this is to employ an auto locksmith. They can usually copy a key made of metal for less than $50. This type of key does not have chip and won't be able to unlock doors or start an engine. This is because modern car keys are equipped with transponders, or chips, that have to be programmed in order to function correctly. This is only done by a professional that knows what they are doing, such as a local locksmith or a car dealer professional in service. The cost to get an electronic key copied is fairly low, but the programming of the chip used in modern vehicles will usually cost more than $300. It is best to always keep a spare key on hand and keep it in a safe place. It is important to determine the type of car keys you have before contacting a locksmith. A standard, old-fashioned car key is a double-edged metal lock that you can put into the ignition cylinder to start your vehicle. They're not as common, but you can purchase them at your local home improvement store for around $10. The next type is the transponder car key. The key is equipped with an embedded security microchip that transmits a message to the computer in the vehicle to open the doors and start the engine. It is more difficult to duplicate than a mechanical key and can only be done with special tools that are only available to a locksmith or car dealer. It could cost you $500 or more depending on your car's model and make. Transponder Keys Cars equipped with transponder keys have a microchip inside of the key to connect with your car. When the key is put in the ignition or close to your vehicle, it transmits an encoded code that allows your car to begin. This is a great feature because it deters theft. But, it also makes stealing your car more difficult because a burglar will need both the correct key and the transmitter to turn on your car and take it away. Transponder keys cost slightly more than a regular one, however, this is because it must be programmed. Most locksmiths will be capable of programming keys that have transponders, but it is always best to ask your dealership whether they are able to do this also. They are the best option as they have the best expertise in programming these keys and can give you a better rate. Many automakers have their own distinct anti-theft mechanisms in place. It is important to do your research prior to buying your next vehicle. You should be able to figure out which type of key works with it and whether it requires an electronic remote to unlock it. Some newer cars come equipped with a password transponder. These are more complicated as they require a special key tool to program them. However they are more secure as they use rolling code encryption to change the password every time they are used. This means that even if your key has been cloned, it will not work with your vehicle. visit this hyperlink is essential that you don't attempt to break into your car by yourself, regardless of the type of key. This could be a red flag to insurance companies and will make mechanics reluctant to assist you in the event of signs that the vehicle has been altered or forced open. This will make it extremely hard to get replacement parts, so be certain to contact an professional Mesa mobile auto locksmith. Laser-Cut Keys If you own a car with a laser-cut key, you'll see that it's much harder to lose or be stolen than a traditional metal key. Keys with laser cutting don't have a notch cut along the edges of the blade. Instead there's a winding groove that cuts to a set depth that runs across the middle of the key's face. When looking at the key from above, it is easy to tell if it's a fake or not. The fact that they're easy to recognize also means that you're not at risk of being locked out if you happen to misplace your key while you're at work or running around. If Full Guide is laser-cut you'll need to call an locksmith who has equipment for these kinds of replacements. In most cases the hardware store you visit isn't able to make you a new key cut with lasers because they don't have the machinery required to cut and program these types of keys. A locksmith uses a machine that appears like a standard drill to mill the metal of the key. This will cut off the entire surface of the key until the desired length. The unique code of the key is then retrieved from the VIN and the key is cut to your vehicle's specifications. Laser-cut keys are not like regular transponder key because they do not have electronic chips or electronics that can be changed. They must be destroyed and replaced with a new one. Laser-cut keys can be very expensive since they require a full rebuild of the key. Have at least one spare car key in your car just in case. So, you'll be able to contact the locksmith to have it cut and programmed for you, so that you'll have access to your car again, without needing to pay to have it tow back to the dealership. Fobs You might not have an old classic car, but your car probably has one of the most modern high-tech fobs to open and start the vehicle without a traditional key. These keys are equipped with special electronic chips that need to be programmed in order to work with the car you own. Some locksmiths are able to perform this reprogramming on your behalf however it's better to have your dealer handle it. They are familiar with the car and have all the tools needed. The cost of replacing your car's key fob can be as high as $500, depending on whether it is an electronic key or a remote-controlled key. This doesn't include the cost of a mechanical backup key you may need in the event your fob gets lost or stolen. It used to be that losing your car keys was a pain however, it's now an actual issue. This is because modern vehicles have made keys so convenient and capable that thieves are now able to steal them, explains Richard Reina, training director at CARiD. Fortunately, advancements in car key technology have also made it harder for thieves to steal them. The new keys come in a variety of dimensions and shapes however the most expensive is one that comes with an electronic transponder as well as a mechanical key inside the same fob. This “smart key” features an adjustable spring-loaded shank that folds up into the fob, similar to a switchblade, which makes it less likely to get lost or hidden in a coat pocket. These are typically pricier than simple remote-controlled fobs and could require the assistance of a dealer to replace. If you have a spare key fob that is in your vehicle and can be cloned, consider trying to save money by ordering an aftermarket replacement from a business such as Amazon or a third-party locksmith and key company which offers programming for a variety of vehicles. You might find that you can program and cut your own fob at less than what a dealer would charge, which could save you $200 or more. Be sure to purchase a key and fob that has the same year, model and model as your original to ensure that it can be programmed for your vehicle.